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What is Staphylococcus aureus
food poisoning?

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium found in the nose and on the skin of about 25 percent of healthy people and animals. S.aureus
is capable of making seven different toxins and is often the cause of food
poisoning.

It is most commonly transferred to food
products like milk and cheese through contact with food workers that carry S.aureus.

S. aureus food poisoning (SFP) is usually not life-threatening. Most cases
of SFP do not require treatment because the condition will pass on its own.
Most people get over food poisoning in about two days.

Symptoms of Staphylococcus
aureus food poisoning

SFP causes symptoms similar to a severe case
of gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms may appear
rapidly, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes after you’ve eaten contaminated
food. But it typically takes up to six hours for symptoms to develop.

Symptoms of SFP include:

diarrhea

vomiting

nausea

abdominal
cramping

Illness is generally mild, and most people
recover within one to three days.

Causes for Staphylococcus aureus
food poisoning

SFP is caused by contaminated food products. S. aureus has a high salt tolerance, and
can grow in ham and other meats, and in dairy products. The toxins that the bacteria
produce are also heat resistant and cannot be destroyed through cooking.

Once food has been contaminated, bacteria
begin to multiply. Food products most commonly associated with SFP are milk and
cheeses. And the most common cause of contamination is through contact with
food workers who carry the bacteria.

Foods that require a lot of handling and are
stored at room temperature are often involved with SPF. These include:

sandwiches

puddings

cold
salads, such as tuna, chicken, macaroni, or ham salad

sliced
deli meats

cream-filled
pastries

Diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning

In most cases, SFP does not require medical
attention. It often clears up with rest and fluids. But contact your doctor if
your illness lasts longer than three days, or if you are unable to drink enough
fluids to prevent dehydration.

Your doctor can diagnose SFP with a physical
examination and a review of your symptoms. They may also ask questions about
recent activities and things you have eaten. If symptoms are severe, your
doctor may order blood tests or a stool culture.

These tests can help determine if the S. aureus bacterium is present, and may also help your
doctor rule out other potential causes.

Treatment of Staphylococcus
aureus poisoning

SFP generally lasts for a day or two. Medical
intervention is often unnecessary as this illness generally disappears on its
own. Treatment typically involves rest and increased fluid intake. But some
people may need medical help.

SFP may be dangerous in young children,
babies, older adults, and people who have HIV.

Because the most common complication of SFP
is dehydration, treatment administering intravenous liquids may be required. In
severe cases, you may be hospitalized for observation in order to prevent
complications.

Outlook of Staphylococcus
aureus food poisoning

People who contract SFP, but are otherwise
healthy, usually don’t have lasting effects after the bacteria clear the body.

However, children, older adults, and those
with weakened immune systems may experience severe dehydration that requires
treatment in a hospital. SFP can be fatal among these people. Prompt medical
treatment increases their chances of making a full recovery.

Prevention of Staphylococcus
aureus food poisoning

To prevent food poisoning and the spread of
bacteria, take the following precautions: